s p ec i a l f e at u r e
07
08
Awards received by Window
WeatherGuards include:
Australian Window
Association
Design Awards 2015
Highly Commended,
Most Innovative Component
Southern Cross University
Technology & Innovation
Awards
Smart Inventors Award
Making a Difference
Andrew has emerged from his journey
with a new purpose; to make a difference
in supporting the recovery of others who
have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
Part of the proceeds from the sale of
WeatherGuards are committed to this cause.
Andrew has also asked all others involved
in its commercialisation to do the same.
"These proceeds will help fund the Road to
Recovery Project – a project that one day, if
I can realise my next dream, will become a
much needed not-for-profit foundation," says
Andrew.
Since around 70 per cent of acquired brain
injuries are the result of car accidents,
the foundation will have a strong focus on
rehabilitation and vehicle safety. "The idea,"
explains Andrew, "Is to assist in the building
of live-in facilities that can accommodate
people who are ready to leave hospital, but
still need specialised care and rehabilitation.
Currently, many people who are recovering
from acquired brain injuries live in nursing
homes, and given these do not typically have
an acquired brain injury rehabilitation focus,
they really aren’t the most appropriate place
for these people to be."
The facility would be designed to provide
a safe and nurturing space for people to
rebuild their lives in the transition from
hospital to independent living, and, where
the latter is not possible, a permanent,
caring, community based place for people
to reside. "Education and support would
be an integral part of a person’s ongoing
rehabilitation, particularly around vehicle
and driving safety," explains Andrew. "I
have had a number of discussions and am
looking to partn er with a respected safe car
manufacturer who could provide assistance
in this area."
Andrew believes that we all have unlimited
potential and this should not exclude those
who find themselves with an acquired brain
injury. "As I have always said," shares Andrew,
“Acquired brain injury is not a disability - it is
just a different ability.”
Window WeatherGuards do more than save
money on energy costs, reduce a home's
carbon footprint, keep homes cooler in
summer and protect against water damage.
They also support Andrew's life changing
Road to Recovery Foundation.
ABC New Inventors 2011
Innovation Award,
City of the Gold Coast
The Triton Foundation
Awards
Commendation,
Innovation Of The Year
The Triton Foundation
Awards
Invention Champion: Diligence,
Determination, Professionalism
07 A proud and innovative team at Haigh
Australia, Director Alan McMahon and
Andrew Cottle at front.
08 Andrew Cottle receiving the Highly
Commended Most Innovative Component
Award for Window WeatherGuards from
Michael O’Keefe at the 2015 Fenestration
Australia Design awards.
For more information, contact Window WeatherGuard on 1300 654 008 or visit www.windowweatherguard.com.au
24 Australian Window Association